Musical instrument.



W. FL LUDWIG. MUSICAL INSTRUMENT. APPLIOATION FILED 23.28, 1911.

1,054,009. Patented Feb. 25, '1913. l

e snEnTsfsnEnT'l.

W. F. LUDWIG.` MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED APILZB, 1911.

APatented m0201913.

6 SHEETS-'SHEET 2.

Patented @11.25.1913.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

W. F. LUDWIG.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED APB. 28, 1911.

W. F. LUDWIG. MUs'IcAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 28, 1911.

Patented Feb. 25, 1913.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

W. F. LUDWIG. MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLIUATION FILED APB... Z8, 1911. 1,054,009 Patented Feb. 25,1913.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

W. I'. LUDWIG. MUSICAL INSTRUMENT. APPLIGATION FILED APR. as, 1911.

Patented Feb. 25, 1913.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEErcE.

WILLIAM F. LUDWIG, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

To ZZ whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, 1WILLIAM LUDWIG, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook ,and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Musical Instruments, of which the following is a description.

My invention belongs to that general class of devices known as musical instruments, and relates particularly to a tuning mechanism for those instruments known as tympana, or kettle drums, and similar instruments, provided with a suitable head. Instruments of this character are tuned by varying the tension of the head, and my improvements are 4for novel means for so controlling or varying the tension to produce 'the desired pitch. The preferred construction comprises fluid controlled mechanism, and suitable means for controlling the fluid.

My invention has among its objects the production of a simple, convenient, eiiicient, rapid and satisfactory tuning mechanism for the class of instruments described, whereby the instrument may be readily and satisfactorily timed to produce the desired pitch.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a kettle drum, stand and controlling mechanism. Fig. 2 is a detail view of the pedal taken substantially on line 2, 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan View of the complete drum, a portion being broken away. Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on line 4, 4 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on line 5, 5 of Fig. 3, the parts in slightly different positions. Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 6, 6 of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 7, 7 of Fig. 6. Fig.` 8 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 8, 8 of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 9, 9 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a sectional view substantially similar to Fig. 4 of a modiiied construction. Fig. 11 is a similar sectional View, showing the parts in slightly different positions. Fig. 12'is a secf tio'nal View taken substantially on line 12,

12 of F ig; Fig. 13 isa plan view'of the Specification of Letters Patent.

Application led April 428, 1911.

Patented Feb. 25, 1913. serial No. 623,909.

under side of the same. Fig. v14 is a sectional view substantially similar to Figs. 4 and 10, showing a slightly modified construction. Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 15, 15 of Fig. 14, and Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 14, showmgthe parts in dierent po-sitions.

eferring to the drawings, in which the preferred form of my device is shown, 1 represents the body of the drum of any desired size, shape or material, which may be supported in any suitable way. As shown, the drum is supported by a stand, comprising the arms 2, which are carried by asupport 5, which last mentioned support may be carried as hereafter described. The free ends 3 of the arms 2, which carry the drum are preferably provided with pads 4 of felt or equivalent material. Over the end of the drum is arranged the usual head 10 of calfskin or equivalent material. Musical instruments of this kind are tuned by stretch-` ing or slacking the head, that is varying the tension on the same, and my invention consists in novel means for accomplishing this.

Referring particularly to Fig. 4, 11 is the flesh hoop, about which may be arranged the head 10, the head being securely held on the flesh hoop by the tension hoop 12. Arranged about the body of the drum are brackets 15, which may be extended through the body of the drum, o-r as shown in the figures, through a ring 21, arranged on the interior or exterior (shown on theI interior) and secured tothe drum, said brackets being s ecured in place by 'nuts 17'engaging the ends 16 of the brackets. The tension hoop 1 2 is provided with brackets 20, through which pass bolts 18, which engage the brackets 15, the bolts 18 being preferably provided with enlarged and squared ends 19, which engage the brackets 20 on the tension hoop. The usual way of tuning 'is by operatin'gth'e bolts 18, thereby pushing down the desh hoop 1l and stretching the head 10, or reversing the operation so as to decrease the strain on the head. v

With the construction shown in the Figs. 1 to 9, the drum is tuned by raising or lowering the ring 24, provided with an extended end or edge 25, overwhich the head passes. As shown, the ring 24 is arranged between the ring 21 and the extending part 22, wl ich parts form a pocket, In the space 23 below the ring 24, I provide a tube 28 of rubber or other suitable material, and control or vary the position of the ring 24 by forcing in or withdrawing a Huid from the tube. Any suitable fluid may be used, for example water or air, or their equivalents, but of the two mentioned, I preferably use water, as it is denser, .and not so elastic as air. As is obvious, if the ring 25 is raised, the head will be stretched, while if the ring is lowered, the strain on the head will be decreased. In this manner the drum may be tuned to the desired pitch. s l

Any suit-able apparatus. may be employed for forcing t-he -liuid into the tube 28, or withdrawing the same, as desired. In the drawings I show two pumps for this purpose which are suitably connected to the tube, and either of which, or both, may be used. One pump is particularly convenient for use for tuning the drum by hand, or for very accurate tuning, while the other is arranged so that the drum may be tuned by operating a suitable foot pedal, or the equivalent. It is obvious that of course the tube may be connected to the pumps, or controlling devices mentioned, in any preferred or satisfactory manner. As shown, the tube 28 'is provided with a connection 30, which V extends down through an opening 29 in to which part 47 may be secured a hose ory the ring or extension 22. Within the connection 30Vis arranged a shell or coupling 33, which is connected by a coupling 34 to a part 36. The tube 30 may be secured to the coupling 33 in any suitable way, as for example by winding the same wi-th cord or wire, and it will be noted by referring particularly to Fig. 5, that the coupling 33 isf p'eferably provided with an enlarged end 3 tended part 37 extending to the outside of the ring 21 and the body 1 of the drum, the same being secured in position by a nut 39, or its equivalent. Secured to the extending part 37 is a coupling made up of Iparts 40 and 43 and coupling nut 42, and to part 43 is secured a part 44 provided with means for the attachment of the controlling devices mentioned. The parts 37, 40 and 43 are provided with a continuous duct or openings 38, 41 therethrough, which are connected with a duct or opening 50 in the part 44.` The part 44 is preferably provided with an extending part 47, or its equivalent, having a duct 56 connected with the duct 50,

tubing 58 connecting the device with the foot controlling apparatus before mentioned and hereafter described. The part 44 may also be extended as at 49 and pro,- vided with a duct 57. Where a hand controlling or regulating device is not employed, part 49 may be suitably closed. As shown in Fig. 5, however, a device for controlling or tuning by hand is shown. Where the foot regulation is also employed the' hand tuning device may be made compara- TheJ part 36 is providedwith an ex-A therein, in which is arranged a piston 72,

73 being suitable packing. The piston may be controlled or operatedy in any way. As shown, it is provided with a piston rod 74 provided for convenience with a hand wheel 75, or the equivalent. The casing is provided with one or more air vents 76, proximate the top or where convenient. As shown, a. gage 53 is also provided having a dial 54 and an indicator 55, the gage being connected by a pipe 52 having a duct 51 connecting the gage with the duct 50 in the part 44. rlhe purpose of the gage is to visibly indicate to the drummer the approximate pitch of the instrument. The dial 54 4or letters 'are preferably made adjustable so that the. indicator 55 will indicate properly. The part 44 is also provided with an extended part 48, having a chamber 61 therein, which is open to a tube 63, having a duct 62 therein. The passage of Huid, however, from the duct 57 through the duct 59 into the chamber 61 is controlled by a valve 60. The valve arrangement may be of any desired construction. AsI shown, the valve is provided with a stein 64, having a pin 65 through the end thereof for convenience in operating, the stem 64 being arranged to screw into part .48. The stem is suit-ably packed by packing material 67 maintained in position by the' part 66. The parts just describe-d are used in filling various parts with Huid, as will be hereafter described.

The foot controlling pump, or controlling device, is connected to the tube 58. The foot pump may be of any form. As shown, it. comprises a casing 82 provided with a base 83, which may be secured thereto by means o-f screws 85, or their equivalents. The base 83 is preferably forme-d with a pocket 86 therein, as most clearly shown in Figs. 7 and 9. The chamber 81 within the casing 82 is connected or open with the pocket 86, and ythe tube 58 is connected to a part 80, 84 being aduct through the base and through the part 80. The casing 82 and base 83 are provided with a plurality of legs 96 and 97, or their equivalents, the legs 97 being preferably pivotally vsecured to the base so as to permit folding. As most clearly shown in Fig. 9, the legs 97 are provided with an extending part 98 passing through the base, the legs being locked in position by nuts 981. The base for the casing is also preferably arranged to act as a support and base for the kettle drum.

upon the end of which is arranged a cross las Referring paiticularly to Figs. l, 6 and 7, the casing is provided with an extension 99, through which extends a tube or rod 6, the same being adjustably locked in position by the screws or bolts 100. To the tube 6 'and telescoping therein, the rod or tube 5 on the stand may be secured by a thumb screw 7, or the equivalent. It will be seen from this that the height of the drum may be as desired by adjusting the tube 5 in the tube 6` or by adjusting the tube 6 in the clamping parts 99, or by 'raising or lowering both of them.

Within the casing 82 is arranged a piston 8,8, 89 being a packing ring* of suitable material, as for example, leather, which is normally expanded andmaintained in close contact with the inner walls of the casing by an expander 90.A The expander 90 is resiliently maintained in position by a spring 98,

and a nut 92 arranged upon the shaft or rod 95. To the piston is secured a piston rod 91,

bar 101, having depending links 103 sedured to the ends 102 thereof (see Fig. 1). The links 103 are pivotally connected to pins 111 upon a yoke 105, pins 104 locking the same in position. The forked yoke 105 is pivotally secured at 107 on a bracket 106 at the side of the casing 82 and extends past, both ,sides of the `casing being continued in a.

single piece, as at 108. The end 108 is further extended as at 109 and provided with an enlarged end 110. The part 108-is preferably provided with an opening 114 therethrough see Fie'. 12) through which extends a rod or member 115. Secured to the part 108 by a pin 1161, or its equivalent, lis a washer 116, the same being arranged on the member 115. ICarried by the part 109, which is Part 10.8 extended, is a rod"117,which extends backward, and thence laterally as at 1171 to the side of the foot part 110, at the end of which it is provided with an end 119. The rod 117 is preferably pivot-ally secured at 1181 and extended as at 118, so as to engage the free side or edge of the Washer 116, whereby the same may be raised by depressing upon the endl 119.` spring 121, or its equivalent, is preferably I provided for maintaining the washer 116 substantially as shown in Fig. 12, 122 being a -screw on the end 118 of the rod 117 for affording adjustment. When the washer is in the position shown in Fig..12, the part 108 is locked by. the washer engaging or biting the part 115, but by depressing upon the part 119, the washer is raised at its freeA constructed as shown, the pedal may be de-4 pressed without raising the washer.

'chamber 81.

rn a@ has@ es, and preferablyas shown,

trol ed by a valve' 126 having a stem 127,

in which is arranged a small cross-bar 128 to facilitate operating the valve. The purpose of the ducts and valve 126 will be explained hereafter.

The operation of' the device in tuning the drum, assuming the same to be equipped wit-h the parts shown and described, may be briefly described as follows: First, in order to fully explain the purpose f the valve 60, tube 68 and ,thepocket 86 and ducts 124, 125 and valve 126, in the base, it may be assumed that the' tube 28 and the other parts of the system are freefrom water, which is the preferred fluid, or from any similar fluid, but that there is some air in the system. It might be mentioned at this time that where water is used t-he samel is preferably removed in shipping or transotingthe drum, so that it is frequently one where a drummer is moving about considerably. The foot pedal 110 is depressed, the valve 126 having been previously opened. Atthe end of the do-wnward stroke of the piston the valve 126 is closed and the foot pedal partlv raised, thereby raising the piston. This draws all the air from the tube 28 and theother parts of thesystem down into the chamber 81 in the casing, and the tube'28, owing to the vacuum, is deflated.

-A receptacle containing water, or the desired same flows down intov the pocket 86 and Itshould be mentioned, howi ever, thatl the lower end of the tube 63 should be kept submerged at all times, so that more air will not 'be drawn into the system. The

valve 60 is now shut and the valve 126v opened, the pump piston being in its raised position. Any water above the level of the water contained in the pocket 86 can flow out through the duct 124', 125.' It may be noted that during the filling of the system the pump is preferably raised to a level above the drum and tube 28. The foot pedal is then again depressed, preferably somewhat slowly, so that the air below vthe piston is forced out through the duct 124, 125 pastthe valve 126. Owing to the Huidy pocket 86, the air` may be completely discharged from within the cylinder. The valve 126 is now closed andthe valve 60 again opened,

'the end ofathe tube being previously sub- .merged as before. The piston is now slowly .raised to -full distance, thereby drawing more water into the system and filling same.

The valve 6 0 is nowy closed. Atthis time and permitting the pedal to move back to where desired. If a little finer or closerthe tension bolts should be adjusted to give the lowest pitch of the instrument. Assuming that the ring 24 is in. substantially the lposition shown in Fi 4 and the tube28 partially "deated, t e` head 10 being stretched over the 4end 25 of the 'ring and i securedto the flesh hook 11, if now the pedal is depressed, the duid contained within the chamber 81 and in the tube 28 will be forced up intoy the tube 28, raising the ring 24, thereby .stretching the head 10 to raisel the pitch. Any desired ytension may be put l upon the head by further depressing the pedal, or the tension may b e reduced to lower the pitch by raising the washer 116 tuning is desired, the piston 72 maybe oper- `ated in either direction so as to further inflate the tube 28, or to relieve the pressure within thesame. The note or pitch is inl' dicated bythe age 53, and it may be noted that any suitab e characters may be provided onthe dial.

4vReferring to the modified construction shown in F igs, 10 and v11, a tube similar to the tube 28 is placed on the exterior of the drum and the tensio-n brought upon the flesh hoop through the tension boltsv somewhat similar to the construction wherein adjustvment or tuning is brought about by adjusting the tension bolts or screws. Referring to the figures mentioned, 141 is a ring member 5" arranged about they exterior of the drum 131 3 tending parts 1411, through'which extend stops 142.

parts 140 each provided wlth a hooked end 148 adapted to contact with or engage the movable ring 144. Over the end 132 of the drum, which may be reiforced by a rod 133, is extended thehead 134, rthe same being preferably arranged about the fiesh hoop 135 and maintainedl thereon by the tension hoop 136. The tension hoop 13,6 is provided with the brackets 137 ,similar to the other construction heretofore described and provided with bolts 138 having heads 139, which bolts engage with the parts 140.- The downward movement of the parts 140 is limited by The operation of this const-ruction may be described as follows Assuming that the system'has the fluid 'therein' and with the head 134 is stretched and positioned substantially as shown in Fig. 11, the 'collapsible or inflatable tube 147 being more or lessfree from fluid or defiated.' After the head is stretched and the parts arranged as shown, if fluid is pumped into the tube 147,

Fig. 10), drawing down the members 140,

and consequently the tension bolts 138 and tension hoop 136. This draws the flesh hoop 135 downward, thereby increasing the. tension of the head and changing the pitch of the instrument, and removing a portion of the fluid in the tube 147, reduces the tension on t-he head and lowersthe pitch.

Referring to the construction shoyvn in Figs. 14, 15 and 16, 150 represents the'drum, which may beturned at its edge as at 151,

and reinforced by a rod 152, if desired.

The head 153 is arranged on the flesh hoop 154 similar to the other constructions, the flesh hoop being controlled in this case by a tension. ring, which is preferably formed of angle iron 155, 156, and provided with a plurality of extending parts 157. Arranged through each of the extended parts 157 is a tension bolt 158, which is provided with a collar 159, extending up at 160 and provided with a handle 161. The tension bolt 158'is secured to a yoke, comprising ends 162, 164 and sides 163, 163. 'Arranged between the sides 163 and connected to the drum, is a casing 167, having a chamber 168 therein, in

which lis arranged a plunger 169 having an end 170 arranged to seat in the end 164 of the yoke, the end of the yoke being preferably cup-sh'aped so'as to retain the plunger in position. rlhe casing 167 is extended as at 173 and secured to the drum 150, the same being locked in-posit-ion byl a"washer 17 6' and nut 177 arranged on the end 174, 175 being a collar o r shoulder abutting against the drum. Preferably within the drum, is arranged a tube or pipe 180 which fis connected by a smaller pipe 179 with-the chamber 168 inthe caslng 167. If desired,

a small opening may be provided in the casing, preferably in alinement with the tube 179. which is normally closed by a screw 182 and washer. 183, the purpose of the same being to facilitate cleaning. This construction is slightly different than the construction heretofore described, in that the plungers are-arranged about the drum at the tension bolts, there being any desired number.

Assuming that the parts are substantially in the position shown in Fig. 14, the fluid is pumped into the pipe 180 and thence into the chambers 168 in the casings 167 which forces the plungers 169 downward, thereby drawing down unon the tension bolts, and

this draws down the tension hoop 155, 156

and the flesh hoop154, thereby stretching the head 153. This 1s illustrated in Fig. 16, in which the. parts are in different positions. Relieving the pressure, the elasticity of the head draws the plunger parts upward, relievingthe tension and changing the pitch.

With. any'of the constructions shown and kjlescribed,` the tension is equalized about. the

head and not diierent at the different points, thereby improving the pitch. Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same Without departing from the spirit of my invention, hence I do not Wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction or combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is l. A drum, comprising a body, a head therefor, fluid operated means for establishing a tension on said head, and separate means for varying the uid pressure to vary the tension on said drum head and thereby vary the pitch of the drum.

2. A drum, comprising a body, a head therefor, adjustable means for setting a tension on said head, and Huid operated means for varying said tension.

3. A drum, comprising a body, a head therefor, adjustable means for setting a ten sion on said head, fluid operated separate means for more minutely varying said tension, and means for varying the Huid pressure as desired.

4. A drum, comprising a body, a head therefor, adjustable means for setting a tension on said head, and fluid operated means operating on said setting means for varying said tension. I

5. A drum, comprisinga body, a head therefor, adjustable'means for setting a tension on said head, Huid operated means operating on said setting means for varying said tension, and separate means for more minutely varying the Huid pressure as desired.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

ROY W. HILL, CHARLES I. COBB. 

